The Most Common Types of Nonprofit Grants [in 2024]

For grants, there are several different funding sources to consider. It is difficult to know which grants will best serve a nonprofit and which ones should be selected for them. This article should help people understand the types of nonprofit grant options and distinguish them. The report covers grants of various kinds as well as their common uses. By the end of this session, you will have no difficulty identifying the best grant options and their application options.

A grant writer who has to learn grant writing skills may want to invest in a grant search database.

To learn grant writing well one skill you will need to constantly work on is your writing skills. Also being good at making connections for foundation grants nonprofit grants and grant funding.

When you learn grant writing for your nonprofit organization the systems you develop will build upon themselves and eventually grant funders may come looking for you. Word of mouth.

There is no shortage of funds. I will talk about the main kinds of grants and provide a good idea about what types of grants to apply for. When you learn grant writing grant proposal process becomes more clear and your organization will gain momentum in your projects. When you learn grant writing well

How to Find Grants for Nonprofits

Although these listed are a good starting point to receive a grant for your organization the following options can be obtained—it’s just a matter of finding them. Make sure to think of the characteristics of your nonprofit and your particular location. Follow this process to find grants in the nonprofit sector.

Federal Government

Often federal agencies grant grants to business startups and other programs. Federal Government grants require lots of paperwork and lengthy grant applications and are good starting points. Both federal grants givers include national funds dedicated mainly to supporting non-profit businesses. This includes the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Federal grants give money to a federal agency. Except for special circumstances, these are usually accessible nationwide. Using Grants.gov for the process is not always helpful or easy. I prefer to organize my search process with Instrumentl, not on Grants.gov.

You could use either site for your research for a federal grant and project grants for nonprofits and for-profit organizations.

Use Grant Databases

The number of nonprofit grants that can be granted is endless unless the person takes the time to research them. But it can prove difficult. Instead of finding grants in one go, you could utilize several databases connecting grantees with grantmakers. Use certain criteria to see the grant opportunities. You can use this grants database to find grants for nonprofits. Instrumentl is the most used grants for nonprofits database. There are plenty of grant funding opportunities found through Instrumentl.

These applications provide grants for nonprofits and other organizations too. Your particular organization may find it useful to have a full subscription to a grant database for startup funding, and corporate programs, and to gain access to a number of grant funding opportunities you may not have known about otherwise. I think it is money well spent.

Narrow Your Search With Keywords

There are so many grant programs that none will suit your organization. Searching using the correct keywords can reduce time wasted in the search of grants which are unrelated to the purpose of the project. When using these databases, you will find several options for filtering grants. Let's say your nonprofit is dedicated to protecting natural resources. Often search engines will result in keywords such as “climate,” “environment” or sustainability.

State Governments

Each state has a grant program for nonprofits. The state has different grants to offer on various topics and missions. This grant can be found on the State Website and usually gives you a starting place. Consider contacting the Department of Health to find grant options: Department for jobs in your county; Department for Family Services; Department for Health; Department for Development; Department for Small Businesses; Department of Education; or Department of Transportation.

Generally, you can apply for a nonprofit organization in any state where you are located in a state or serve a community in the state. Sometimes they are pass-through grants or state tax dollars that are paid through states and are refunded through state legislatures. Almost everyone in states now uses the Internet to track the various funding options available from their state agencies. For example, my post on grants for historic buildings.

What are Common Types of Grants Based on Funder?

Grants are supplied through various sources based on the need to make them accessible. The type of funder typically determines how the application and award are made and reports the results received. Most types of grants given to nonprofits are from governments or foundations based on funding. Please see the following sections to learn how they operate.

Government Grants

The grant is a public benefit. The funds are collected through taxes and the legislation determines the allocation of the funds. See if this kind of Grant will suit your nonprofit or how you apply. Below we explain different levels of government funding. Grants.gov is mostly where you will find federal grant opportunities.

Local Governments

Cities often give grants to enhance already established communities or cultural activities. A nonprofit may receive a majority of this grant from the State Department by operating locally and as a partner/chapter of a larger local corporation. Suzanne is happy for further grants from the nonprofit! It is possible for people to apply for municipal funds through local government agencies or via local commissions.

Local (City or County) Grants

As mentioned earlier where state-supported funding is largely distributed by states — municipalities and county governments grant funds are also distributed by municipalities within their region's jurisdiction. They are also commonly passthrough grant schemes. Some city and county grants are accessible by online systems including New York City's passport. Examples of local financial agencies can be found in the following table. They are available through the local libraries or by contacting the local authorities.

Private Foundations

Several private foundations are specifically formed for nonprofits. If you're starting your first venture, you won't find the right private foundation to give your grants. Start with familiarity with major grantmaking foundations in your neighborhood to find out what support you could receive at the local level. Sam is looking for any foundation that provides grants in his district! Private foundations can grant funds if needed to start a nonprofit. A great way to explore startup finance is to get yourself one of these documents.

How do I start a nonprofit business with no money?

Create an enterprise strategy. Make an office plan. Find the easiest way of collecting funds online. Assume support for our mission in the United States.

Personally, this is a separate offering and a separate process from grant funding. The basics can be found here on Forbes. It is a useful basic guide for 2023 and starting a nonprofit.

The Process of Securing a Grant

It starts with research. For the most efficient application process, it is highly advised that time is given to researching the application process. To be eligible for grants, your organization must look for grants that match your mission. This phase also involves the registration of your business, often involving ensuring you comply with all the requirements.

How do I ask for grant money?

If you want to get a grant or find it online you may visit Grants.gov. Some commercial websites charge fee fees to submit a grant request. Grants.gov provides information about nearly 1200 government grant programs. The tool was developed to assist states in finding grants. And it is free.

It is a complicated process to use Grants.gov for your grant process. Grant opportunities for grant proposals for nonprofit organizations can be done through Grants.gov, but to find those grants I do still recommend something like Instrumentl for that initial process.

I have written more about the process of asking for money awarded here. The grant application process usually starts with a Letter of Inquiry.

For corporate grants for nonprofits and private foundation grants for nonprofits, most grant writers use Instrumentl. Other platforms are Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Open Grants, and Candid. There are many more.